All in a day’s work — at Star amateur golf tournament
Marian Reid embodied the spirit of the Toronto Star amateur golf championships Wednesday.
As soon as the 56-year-old won the women’s title, it was time to get back to work.
“Busy day,” Reid said, matter of factly, after a quick celebration at Markland Wood Golf Club, where the Star staged the 20th edition of its championships.
Reid, like many of the 64 golfers who participated in the Star’s event over the last three days, mixes a love of golf with work, family and daily responsibilities. Reid won the women’s title, and the Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Trophy, by noonhour, then hustled back to her job — all in a day’s work. Reid won for the second straight year, becoming just the second women’s repeat champion.
Stephanie Tucker repeated in 2014-15, while Alena Sharp, now on the LPGA Tour, and the inaugural Star women’s champ in 2000, and Mary Ann Lapointe, have won the title twice (but not consecutively).
Over on the men’s championship side, Oakville resident Mike Kray did the same thing, win the Star amateur for a second straight year to lift the John Honderich Trophy. But his post-tournament schedule was slightly less hectic than Reid’s.
“I’ll probably answer a few phone calls and emails from friends who want to know how the day went. But after that, just go home, throw a couple of burgers on the BBQ, and enjoy the day with my family,” said Kray, 49, originally from St. Catharines, who calls Rattlesnake Golf Club his home course.
Reid, 56, was due back at her job with the Ontario Secondary School Teacher’s Federation, but she wasn’t complaining.
“My boss is kind enough to give me the time off to play in this tournament … My office is just yummy to work for, I love my job,” Reid said.
Reid entered Wednesday’s final rounds with a10-stroke lead on 14-year-old Rozlyn Rooke. But Reid said she fought her game a little bit over the second nine, allowing Rooke to close to within five strokes. Reid headed to the clubhouse Wednesday with an 84, and a three-day total of 238, while Rooke was red hot Wednesday, firing a 78 for a 243 total.
“I’ve been playing the Star (tourney) for 10 years now, and before I won (back-to-back championships), I’d never won a title. Bridesmaid, never the bride,” said Reid, who credits Phil Cavanaugh, the pro at her home course, Islington Golf Club, with taking her game to the next level.
Kray, meanwhile, had the low round of the day Wednesday — a 72 — which helped him vault from two strokes back to win the title with a three-shot edge over Gary Young who shot a 77. Kray’s three-day total came in at 218. Dave Hemstad, who won the inaugural men’s championship in 1999, finished Wednesday’s round with a 73, and fired 223 overall, claiming third place.